| | News from Laguna Beach Unified School District, its teachers, students, staff and Board of Education. | | Board approves new visual and performing arts courses at Laguna Beach High School | | |
The LBUSD Board of Education approved two new visual and performing arts courses for Laguna Beach High School, Vocal Arts 2 (Choir) and Theatre Production, to be offered beginning in the 2026–27 academic year.
Vocal Arts 2 builds on the existing Theatre and Vocal Arts 1 course and is designed for students in grades nine through 12 who are interested in choral music. The course provides instruction in choral technique, musicianship, vocal health, and performance across a range of musical genres, with units of study that include breath support, resonance, ear training, stylistic flexibility, and performance confidence. It aligns with California visual and performing arts standards and is expected to meet University of California A–G requirements. Vocal Arts 2 will serve as a capstone course in a future professional vocal pathway that includes Theatre and Vocal Arts 1 and complements other performing arts offerings.
The Theatre Production course is a project-based elective that will provide instruction in lighting, sound, set design, stage management, and technical production. Students apply these skills by supporting on-campus productions and events, including theatre performances, pep rallies, Quad-chella, and commencement. The course emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and the use of industry-standard tools. It is structured to evolve into a career technical education pathway in future years.
| | Board approves construction contracts and oversight services for LBHS Pool Modernization | |
The Board of Education approved two related actions to move forward with the modernization of the Laguna Beach High School Pool Modernization project.
First, the Board approved the award of construction contracts for multiple components of the project following a public bidding process. Bids were opened in December, reviewed for completeness and compliance, and awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible contractors across a range of work categories, including demolition, concrete work, pool construction, plumbing, electrical work, and site improvements. The total value of the construction contracts approved is approximately $18.8 million.
In a separate but related action, the Board approved contracts for construction-phase services and required oversight, including inspection, materials testing, environmental monitoring, site security, labor compliance, tribal consultation, and construction management. These services support safety, regulatory compliance, and quality control throughout construction and were approved in an amount not to exceed approximately $2.2 million.
Together, these approvals allow the district to proceed with both the physical construction of the pool modernization and the professional services needed to manage, inspect, and complete the project in compliance with state and local requirements. Construction is slated to begin in June 2026.
| Board receives update on artificial intelligence in education | |
At its Jan. 8 meeting, the Board received a presentation on the use of artificial intelligence in education, including how AI is being explored and implemented in LBUSD classrooms. Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Chad Mabery, Ed.D., and Chief Technology Officer Michael Morrison discussed how AI tools can support instruction and operational efficiency when used responsibly, while also addressing potential risks and the importance of ethical use, student privacy, and critical thinking.
The presentation explained the district’s approach to introducing AI thoughtfully, with various applications for teaching and learning, as well as for day-to-day efficiency. Staff shared how AI can help teachers save time on routine tasks and support learning through tools that offer personalized tutoring and feedback, allowing teachers to spend more time working with students in small groups or one-on-one.
| Laguna Beach USD educator Cama Stevens named 2026 Orange County Music and Arts Award recipient | Cama Stevens, an elementary visual and performing arts teacher on special assignment in Laguna Beach Unified School District, has been honored with the 2026 Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) Award by the Orange County Music and Arts Administrators (OCMAA). LBUSD was also represented among the 2026 nominees, with Shelley O’Brien, an art teacher at Laguna Beach High School, and Sarah Wolsey, an elementary visual and performing arts teacher on special assignment, recognized for their work. | | Board approves adoption of new elementary math curriculum | |
At its regularly scheduled meeting on Jan. 8, the Board of Education approved a recommendation to adopt the Amplify Desmos Elementary Math Curriculum for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, beginning in the 2026–27 school year. The decision followed a two-year adoption process that included teacher training on updated state math standards, classroom pilots conducted by about half of the district’s elementary teachers, and feedback from students and families.
Based on that review, Amplify Desmos was selected for lessons that build skills step by step and help students understand how math concepts connect from one grade to the next, preparing them for middle and high school math. The new program will be implemented districtwide with coordinated training and instructional support for teachers.
| Board takes steps to explore feasibility of a future school facilities bond | |
The Board of Education approved a series of related actions to explore whether a future school facilities bond measure could be considered by voters. These actions are part of an early information-gathering phase and do not demonstrate support or opposition to a bond and does not place a bond measure on the ballot.
First, the Board approved engaging True North Research to design and conduct a public opinion survey of district voters. The survey will gather feedback on community priorities and assess whether there is potential support for a General Obligation bond to help fund long-term school facility improvements.
The Board also approved Fieldman, Rolapp & Associates (FRA) as the district’s municipal bond advisor. FRA will provide financial analysis, demographic data, and guidance on bond-related considerations to help inform future Board discussions.
In addition, the Board approved an agreement with Dannis Woliver Kelley (DWK) to provide legal services related to considering and potentially calling a bond election in 2026. DWK will advise the district on legal requirements, election procedures, and bond issuance, if applicable.
Together, these approvals allow the district to gather public input, receive financial and legal guidance, and evaluate whether a bond measure is appropriate to consider in the future. Any decision to place a bond measure on the ballot would require additional Board action at a later date.
| The next regularly scheduled board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. Visit lbusd.org/board for more information. | | | | | |
